Top 10 poorest countries in the world 2010

by Roman on April 21, 2010

Here is a list of the top 10 poorest countries in the world according to data gathered by the International Monetary Fund and the CIA Wrold Factbook. As you might have guessed 9 out of 10 poorest countries in the world are situated in Africa. The wealth of a country is measured by GDP per capita and it stands for the average value of goods and services a person produced living his country

This post is written thanks to a lot of people reading my article Top 10 richest countries in the world and also wanting to know about the world’s poorest countries. Your support and comments are valuable to me. Thank you!

10. Afghanistan – $800 (GDP per capita)

Afghanistan villagers moving their camp

Afghanistan is probably the only poorest county in the world that doesn’t need any introduction. Thanks to the plane crashes of 9/11 and the subsequent American quest for revenge almost everyone knows of this poor landlocked South Asian country. What many people don’t realize however is that the country that gave birth to the world’s foremost terrorist Osama Bin Laden is actually called the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. It is a public secret however that history has never seen Afghanistan lose a war. They might be one of the poorest but they know how to fight. Instead of a traditional army they simply resist with small counter attacks that eventually tire out the enemy.

Over 70% of Afghanis live with less than 2$ a day. To make money a lot of people have gone into drug trafficking. Afghanistan is the worlds largest exporter of heroin. The drug problem in this poor country is so large that a drug test in the Afghanistan police force showed that 17% of the countries police officers had lately used drugs. Even worse – only 30% of the police can read! No wonder Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world.

9. Central African Republic – $754

Women in Central African Republic fixing dinner with their children

As the unoriginal name suggest this former French colony is right in the middle of Africa. Being among 1 of the poorest countries in the world means that the governmental control of the country is extremely weak. The well-being of the population is entirely dependent on foreign aid and numerous non profit organizations. The very present of aid workers in the country is the largest source of revenue for Central Africans. An estimated 40% of import revenue comes from selling diamonds mined from the countries rich land.

Like other poor African countries in this list the Central African Republic is actually self-sufficient in food but still a lot of people suffer from malnutrition and famine. This is because farm owners rather sell their crops to foreign countries with money than to give it all away cheaply to the fellow countrymen. In 2006 rebel forces not satisfied with the way things were going attacked government forces, leaving another 50 000 people to die of starvation.

8. Sierra Leone – $747

Children carrying water near Freetown, Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is a poor west African country that has English as its official language. Over the years however the locals have used English to derive their own language called Krio. It uses English vocabulary but the grammar comes from 12 different African languages. As is the case with a lot of the top 10 poorest countries, Sierra Leone is also one of the largest diamond manufacturers of the world. If you have seen the movie Blood Diamond you should know that it is based on Sierra Leone.

Between 1991-2001 about 50 000 people were killed in the countries civil war, leaving the people even poorer than they were before. At least 500 000 people fled to neighboring Guinea and Liberia. While everyone is required to go to school, the shortage of schools means that the law requiring to get an education can not be followed. About 66% of adults are illiterate. The health care system also leaves a lot to complain about. Sierra Leone has one of the highest infant mortality rates and lowest life expectancy in the world. No wonder Sierra Leone is one of the poorest countries of the world.

7. Eritrea – $739

A typical wedding ceremony dance in Eritrea

The location of Eritrea gives it an advantage of controlling the sea route through the Suez Canal. This is why Italy made it its colony just a year after the opening of the canal in 1869 and why the British conquered it in 1941. In the present Eritrea has been accused by the USA of having relations with terrorists. In 2009 US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton accused Eritrea in supplying weapons to Somalian militant group al-Shabab which is believed to have relations with Al Qaeda.

In history it is known that the Egyptian pharaohs used Eritrea as a source of war elephants. Lately however the elephants are almost wiped out from the country. During 1955 and 2001 no elephants were sighted. It is believed that they have fallen victims to the ongoing wars in Eritrea. The whole country only has 824 schools and 2 universities – unnecessary to say illiteracy is a huge problem. No wonder Eritrea is one of the poorest countries in the world.

6. Niger – $736

People fleeing the poor Niger

Niger is one of the poorest countries in Africa – over 80% of its land is covered by the giant desert of Sahara. While it might seem like a hostile place to live it is actually even worse – ongoing droughts are leading to more desertification. One day the whole Republic of Niger might be swallowed by the mighty desert. Currently most of its terrain is made up of desert plains and sand dunes with some savanna around the Niger river. Over 5000 years ago the same land was actually covered with fertile grasslands – the desertification has took place in the last 2000 years.

While the country is over twice the size France, it only has less than 10 000 km of roads of which less than 800 km is paved. All the paved roads are inside the cities. There are no paved roads connecting the cities to each other. Niger is the worlds largest exporter of uranium. Just like other countries in the top 10 poorest countries of the world list, only about 1 in 4 persons have ever attended school. Niger also boasts a small army – it has about 12000 troops and 4 aircrafts :lol:.

5. Somalia – $600

Traditional house in poor Somalian village

Unlike many African countries Somalia has never been officially colonized by any country. The efforts of the British Empire were successfully driven back at least 4 times. While Somalia is situated in Eastern Africa it has close ties to the Arab world. As a Muslim country it also belongs to the Arab League. Probably because of its Islamic background Somalia has one of the lowest HIV and Aids infection rates. Somalia’s friendship with the Soviet Union enabled it to build the largest military in Africa – unfortunately it proved ineffective to withhold the civil war that broke out in 1991.

In recent years the poor people of Somalia have found a new way to make money – hijacking international boats and taking the crew and the cargo as hostage. Piracy in Somalia has become so common that when young boys grow up they wish to become pirates because that’s where the money is. International companies are known to pay pirates from 1 to 20 million dollars just to get the ships back. An oil tanker filled with oil can be worth a few hundred million dollars.

4. Burundi – $401

People dancing in Burundi Village

In addition to being one of the poorest countries in the world this small landlocked African country is known for its wars between the inhabiting competing tribes. The reason Burundi is so poor is because they have never really had any peaceful time between the everlasting civil wars. Corruption, poor access to education, and a high percentage of HIV and AIDS are all the things that Burundi is known for. Approximately 80% of Burundians live in poverty and according to the World Food Programme 57% of children under 5 years suffer from chronic malnutrition. 93% of Burundi’s exports revenues come from selling coffee.

According to a study done in 178 countries the people of Burundi have the lowest life satisfaction in the world. As a result of poverty it is almost entirely dependent on foreign aid. No wonder Burundi is the 4th poorest country in the world.

3. Liberia – $379

A rebel in Monrovia, Liberia, keeping watch in front of a house and car full of bullet holes

Liberia is one of the few countries in Africa that have not been colonized by Europe. Instead, Liberia was founded and colonized by the slaves who escaped from America. These slaves made up the elite of the country and they established a government that closely resembled that of the United States of America. In 1980 the president of Liberia was overthrown and a period of instability and civil war followed. After the killings of hundreds of thousands Liberia is in a deep economic crisis. Statistics indicate that about 90% of the population lives below $1.25 a day.

As the 3rd poorest country in the world, Liberia has an unemployment rate of 85%. Just as its neighbor Sierra Leone, Liberia was known for its blood diamonds during the civil war. As a results the United Nations banned diamond exports from the country. Compared to the 7 children each women gives birth to on average – the life expectancy of 44 years seems incredibly short. No wonder Liberia is one of the poorest countries in the world!

2. Democratic Republic of the Congo – $334

A child in Congo riding a self made wooden bike

Not to be mixed with the neighboring Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo was known as Zaire until 1997. Congo is the largest country in the world that has French as an official language – the population of Congo is about 1 million larger than the population of France (66 million people in Congo vs 65 million in France). The Second Congo War beginning in 1998 has devastated the country. The war that involves at least 7 foreign armies is the deadliest conflict in the world since World War II – it has already killed 5.4 million people. In Africa the war is called African World War. It is estimated that in 2010 at least 45 000 people in Congo are killed monthly.

Congo is also one of the last places on earth with tribes of cannibals. An Mbuti pygmy testified before the UN that their people were hunted down and eaten like animals by neighboring tribes. Eating other people is a way to survive the famines that is affecting about 67% of the population. Congo is also believed to be the worst place in the world for women – it has the most rapes per women in a year. Locals believe that sleeping with a virgin girl will cure AIDS.

1. Zimbabwe – $0.1

A traditional house in a village in Zimbabwe

Thanks to hyperinflation Zimbabwe has become the poorest country in the world. It used to one of the 10 poorest countries but the 87.9 sextillion percent inflation has left the countries economy into ruins. The inflation worrying the country since 2007 saw the government printing 100 billion dollar bills that were only good enough to buy a few eggs. In August 2008 there was even a time where the government simply decided to take 10 zeroes off of every bank not – simply because they didn’t fit very well. Just 6 months later they removed an additional 12 zeroes. The 87 sextillion percent inflation meant that throughout the year prices kept doubling every 1.1 days. In other words – when an apple would cost 1 dollars on Monday it would already cost 64 dollars on Sunday. In a month the same apple would cost just over 1 billion dollars.

A boy in Zimbabwe going shopping with the equivalant of 3 US dollars

The largest bank note that the government of Zimbabwe released was the 100 trillion dollar bill issued on January 2009. In addition to the economic problems the life expectancy of Zimbabwe is the lowest in the world – 37 years for men and just 34 for women. One of the problems for the early deaths are the 20.1% of the population with HIV and AIDS. The health issues aren’t seeing any improvement – in 2009 3 of the 4 largest hospitals and the countries only medical school was shut down.

For more information about inflation in Zimbabwe check out my post and pictures in my article Inflation in Zimbabwe

Are you really that naive? They do not really have a “choice”. It doesnt really matter who they vote for, the candidate who is supported by the USA and other developed countries will win regardless because he is backed by money, physical strength, and information. Read about the third world before commenting buddy.

Mohamed! Who are you kidding?
How come we Americans who live on less than a $1000 a month are the fault of your poverty.
How about your rich sheiks all over your Muslim world. Look at your own high rises in every Muslim nation. Who lives there? Non of us Americans, just your own rich arabs.

Who owns the oil in your Muslim countries? Muslims? Arabs? or Americans?

Hey Roman , you should make a list of highest-paid governments in the world !!!
That would be a good list !!!
And theres no government in the world who earns more than a million dollar a year , except for my country’s , which earn more than S$4,267,500 SGD !!!
Hahhahahahahaahahahha Roman go make the list !
Mind you President Barack Obama’s yearly salary is $400,000 .

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@ Lol Govt: May be then u must see the politicians of my country…..
The leader of Party in Power has Swiss Bank accounts worth Us $ 44000000000…..that’s just 1 person’s wealth…..(though i admit she’s a fucking asshole) & that too just the black money…..

I do feel for these people, but I must admit that it is hard to feel sorry for a people when most of their governments are doing nothing to help their own people. It seems that they are more willing to wait around for a hand out from the world than settle their differences. There is nothing wrong with having less than the rest of the world, whats wrong is that their governments will not let them live peaceful lives. No amount of aid I send is ever going to change that. It is up to them. No good deed the United States does, like getting rid of and still trying to rid the afgans of the talaban, ever goes unpunished. The only reason we are still there is to help those people create a new government that can help themselves. If we were there for revenge we could do alot worse.

we should start raising money for them i live in nigeria and i used to think it was one ofd the worst countries to visit.See,i do not know about you but it is advisable for these children to be taken to appropirate and adequate homes-Zimbabwe is a place to me that needs urgent needs.

i really feel the pains of these people but little friend what can we do when our government is the cause of these predicament,imagine Robert Mugabe who has turn himself to a life president and has ruined the economy of the country.Africa is a blessed continent but it is so unfortunate the we derailed and we are almost ruined but i have a dream of a time when we afro american, africans in diaspora, africans @home will join hands together and bring about a revolution thereby forming a African United Nation because we have one thing in common our origin…….Even though i am not based in africa i love africa,i love the people and pray for them always..MAY GOD BLESS AFRICA………..;(

i do believe america is responsable over all this mass goingon around the world they want it like this so they can keep the control my friends hello they are the monsters of this world i know alot about them i mean the insiders not the american people they dont know whats goingon in this world they live the american dream im just hoping that things change for this countrys soon lets all pray for them god be with us all

You must be a parent of a terrorist. Do your research; As the most generous country in the world and the first and most impacting donor to countries devastated by natural disasters, no substantiation shows criterion of the US as a universal originator for poverty.
What an ignorant comment with no validation.

Come to the UK, we’re just as corrupt as the USA however luckily our press and information is far less censored than yours in the o glorious land of the “free”. I think your comment is the one with no validation, you throwing a few fancy words in there is not going to substantiate it. Whenever your country is appearing to “help” if you actually do your reading you might find it is usually digging it’s fingers in one pie or another. If not, covering it’s blood stained and corrupt tracks all the way back through history. And of course, history is written by the victors and shoved into your shallow all-consuming head. So please go read some books cause it’s one thing being ignorant but an ignorant person trying to cast the same brand onto others is even worse.

GOD Bless America!! They say it because they know how many sins they have already committed js in the name of help, friendship and relief. They go for help in Afghanistan. why ? Heroin!! They go for help in Iraq; why? Oil!! They go to vietnam, pakistan and many countries of Africa.. They are so generous, so heartful..

But why they end up sayin. ” Thats their personal matter” when it comes down to Israel attacks on palestine, lebenon, jordan…”

I dont support any religion, i dont hate any of ‘em. I jus want to know why U americans fight with only profit.. N if u do; well n gud, but why do u name it like u r doin sum favour on someone..
We call russians brutal, we say jewish are brutal, arabs & chinese are brutal.. But what about U?????

An African country had a great leader, Abdull. His name was Ian Smith. Alas, he committed the cardinal sin of having white skin. So you are going to be a great leader, are you? Just make sure to keep religion out of it.

One day the pain of this people will stop and the pain of rich and wealthy people will come. That day will be the Qiyammah ( what you call the dooms day ). Becouse this poeple now what it is to have a dificult life, so for them it doesn’t matter if there will be a doomsday they will be so happy that the suffer is over on that day. But for the rich people i think that you know by yourself how painfull and dificult it will be ( may God help them ).

So are you saying that one day people who have no respect for life, despicable values and false hopes will embrace the end of the world (that will magically come from the hand of some unknown force), while people with solid work ethics and a will to create enterprises and change the world will pay?

man u are so full of shit. you gonna live a crappy life and have a crappy death and if u think islamic radicalism is whats gonna give u redemtion then u can add stupid and illusional to what u r. people like u give muslims worldwide a bad name

Muslims are not bad!!!!!!!!!!! people have cyco minds and make them look bad. Afghanistan peeps are the WORST. i wonder why peeps make pakistan look so bad its better than all the countries who are racist i hope my comment makes u change ur messed up minds.

@Onyeka – they have one thing in common – they ALL blame the Colonial Powers for their predicament. They forget that the same Powers had ruled over most of Asia – and Asians are kicking butt everywhere!

I think only African’s can save Africa. The FIRST step would be to acknowledge that hiding behind “blame the west for everything” and begging for aid will only sink them further. Else-they’re humped (though how could any continent get humped more than what Africa is – is beyond me)

firstly, i agree…only Africa can save Africa
secondly, i disagree Asians are not kicking butt everywhere…have you seen figures on the rate of undernourished people? the majority (as in more than 50%) of the world’s hugry are in Asia – so Asia is getting “humped” more than Africa is…
thirdly, Africa will continue to blame the west, cause its true, they put them in that predicament – but should blame their governments, cause they’re the ones who are not investing in their own countries future.

I agree completely. Africa is poor because Africa is poor. Other places in the World have been suppressed as well, but they came out of it okay. Its also coincidental that those poor countries happen to be generally populated with “black” people. In other words, Negroes can’t run a country all by themselves.

you talk like someone with traits of immaturity,perhaps you are. Posting comments with a numb skull anyway if you are a racist endeavor to be an enlightened racist because i think Libya(gdp 12,120),Gabon(gdp 7350),Mauritus(7,250),Botswana, south Africa,Algeria,Angola,Tunisia,Djibouti,Egypt,Nigeria and even Republic of Congo(not demographic) are quite richer than many of these so called eastern europes like Ukraine,Kosovo,Moldova and Romania.So do more research before opening you stinking mouth and claiming u white gats no problem….you sulking ass

I would say Asia are doing marginally better due to the formation of international bodies such as OPEC to have some regulation on the countries main exports. As seen though, this doesn’t stop the USA constantly using propaganda to fund a covert destruction of these nations power and influence. The reason it has to play into Asian hands more is that it heavily relies on these products, but on the whole Asians are not kicking African ass. There are a few hot spots around the continent such as in South Korea, Abu-Dhabi and Dubai. There are a few places in Africa you may find some rich people who have profited like this but the majority of Asia is still impoverished as well. The majority of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, there are also many countries so excluded from the international markets that we are barely aware they exist. This is the common point, the same problems of greed in humanity exist at the top of every nation. It’s all good for middle class people saying…”it’s about time africans did something and got it together”…but u tell that to your previous colonial rulers who took over your country, granted independence but left you with no infrastructure or leg to stand on….here’s some loans to catch up with us…oh but with MASSIVE interest which means you’ll be in our pockets forever. That’s where politicians are either co-operatively or forcibly pressured into “deals” that put foreign profits ahead of their people.

Probably the most considered response on this thread. Thank you, Henry.

It’s remarkable that people are so ready and willing to screw each other over. There’re so many people to blame and so many people shifting blame. Unfathomable greed at the top poisoning those at the bottom. It’s heart-breaking cruelty of the most sinister kind. I wonder if those people pushing policies through to make an additional forty-million dollars even gave a second thought to the 40,000 people they just starved to death in some far away place when they signed the contract?

It starts with the haves. You have to say “do I need this”, “what will happen if I do this? Who will be affected?” Once you make yourself accountable, things will change. When people start being less selfish the world improves.

The Economy of India is the eleventh largest in the world by nominal GDP and the fourth largest by purchasing power parity (PPP). The country’s per capita GDP (PPP) is $3,290 (IMF, 127th) in 2010. Following strong economic reforms from the socialist inspired economy of a post-independence Indian nation, the country began to develop a fast-paced economic growth, as free market principles were initiated in 1990 for international competition and foreign investment. Economists predict that by 2020, India will be among the leading economies of the world.
India does not have Diamond mines nor does it have Oil wells but thank you India is doing well inspite of being colonized for 100 years. Among the top 10 richest persons across the world, there are two Indians.Two high-growth industries, technology and pharmaceuticals, have created half of India’s top 40 fortunes. Nineteen of the 40 richest started entirely from scratch. This speaks volumes for India’s peace loving culture & Intellectual brains.

How dare you compare India to failed nations like Afghanistan? India may still belong to the third world, thanks to the European greed, but instead of crying over it, Indians have worked really hard on coming out of it. We are one of the best democracies in the world.
Human rights are also better than most nations. In fact, the only problem seems to be a huge population .
Posting India alongside Afghanistan is really ridiculous.
So think before you post anything ridiculous.

Dunno – but Ethiopia is doing a lot of progressive things to get themselves out of the African Stereotype. Their ecological (billion trees campaign), agriculture reforms and other initiative along with impressive attempts to rebuild their infrastructure should be followed across the continent!!!

Despite the frequent attempt by some of the neighboring countries to bring the Ethiopian economy and the country down, Ethiopia has exhibited a very stable economic growth with in the last two decades. It is now out of the top 10 list but still in the top 50 list of poor countries. I am sure this will change soon. On the other hand, most countries of so called emerging economies are also in the top 50 list.

Hello, I’m doing a project for school about how the level of poverty of a country effects the amount of donations from the richer countries. Can anyone give me any data or important information that I could use to support my topic. Also if there are any other ideas that would clarify my statment. I’m trying to make a comparison on how more money goes to countries that are more known by the media and society, and how there are other countries that are suffering that funds are not helping. Please Give me any help that you can. Thank You

I see Somalia but not Ehtiopia? I visited Somalia in 2004 and there were a whole lot of Ethiopian immigrants looking for employment as domestic cleaners, but according to this page they should be having a higher standard of living!

My Dear Christ, every thing is keeping changing, As in the Bible is mentioned” the Omega becomes Alpha and the reverse” Seeing is believing, come and visit Ethiopia;You can see now many somalians harbouring in Ethiopia as their second home. Even we are not cruel like them , we give them equal previlege like us. please don’t compare the uncomparable between 2004 and 2010. simple example is that compare your self between 2004 and 2010 your life standards.

Hero sorry if I have offended you but thats what me and my colleagues saw. The Somalis were not cruel, they were quite hospitable actually. Radiant smiles from all of the. Same goes for the Ethiopians. Now that you mention cruelty though, I was in Ethiopia mate and I know all about your governments genocide against the Somali areas of the country.

Ahmed Somalia and Ethiopia were both very nice places. If your asking about Somalia, well I came back with a different opinion of your country. Very nice people. An old man actually recited a poem and they told me it was about me. Before I went there the only Somali I knew was the model Iman, during my stay though I noticed that all Somali women have a natural beauty about them. Tons of Imans there.

Yahia im not a Muslim but I was just stating. When I went to Ethiopia although it was well off infrastructure wise there was a lot of poverty. Now in Somalia even though they dont have a functioning government they arent really so poor as neighbouring Ethiopia. It puzzles me why they are in this list when Ethiopia is not. I have been to both places with UN agencies and trust me Somalia was better off for my concious.

My dear friend please adjust ur mental set up. NO thing is stagnant. We are almost registering more than 11% GDP Growth every year. We are flying like the spirit of Africa, ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES. If you want to fly to crudle of human being fasten your belt and fly with us to see how we are flying to destination of development.. we have already built a nice asphalt road infrastructures and in the coming five year we will built railway infrastructures almost in all our regional goverments connecting to the capital of Addis Ababa. ETHIOPIA stands over growth out of 195 countries of the world 94th. See newsweek reports “THE WORLD’S BEST COUNTRIES”

Im not belittling the coutries advances Jegnaw. Its just what I saw there thats all. Now when I read your reply I though hold on a minute, if this is whats happening in Ethiopia then why so much poverty. I found out that the President Melas Zenawi was a rebel leader and he has held onto power for 20 years. On top of that, he is a billionare and one of the richest heads of state in the world. I can only come to one conclusion, corruption like any other African country. If I had known the president was a billionare when I saw all the hungry faces there, I would have gone nuts because in my line of work, you sometimes think why help a nation who dont help their own.

I just wanted to say is that I really admire the person who has alot of respect in his/her comment. One thing people do online is take advantage by abusing it where they know they wont be punished for it. What I’ve been seeing on other discussions is just exasperating to see people talking about whose army is more powerful its sick. So my comment is written to say that please continue to have this postive attitude and the Respect for others when it comes to discussions. Acknowledge them and reply with courtesy and show some reverence and you will have the same treatment. The word we should spread is Tolerance. I’ve seen it here by many. GREAT ATTITUDE

It’s funny 9 of the poorest countries are claimed to be in Africa. I think some of the countries in Eastern Europe are very poor, so too some of the countries in Asia. Also, how much money is in a country doesn’t necessarily mean the country is poor or rich. It depends on how cheap or expensive the things are. If, for example, it is claimed that the average citizen in a particular country earns 1$, one dollar may do more for each person than a person living on 1$ in, say, the U.S. That person will surely starve unless an intervention from somewhere saves him/her. Also, it depends of the level of distribution of the money; the more widely distributed, the better.

Ask yourself this – take the poorest country OUTSIDE africa and give them a choice – to immigrate to a “poor” country in Europe vs immigrate to “any” country in Africa!! What would you think would be his natural choice?

My goodness I’m like 14 and I feel SO SO sorry for these kids and people! This is really sad. Most people in my country the USA which is one the richest top 25 countries ( dont mean to brag) but we should feel very lucky that this is not what we are going through, and I mean very lucky to have such an economy! People here say our economy is bad, however take a look at Zimbabwe! They only have a penny! I have like maybe 100 dollars! And I would be really rich there, I see. I wish I could donate my money to them because they really need it, obviuosly. Maybe when I grow up as an adult I will donate, if this keeps up.
-Luck to Zimbabwe,
Kayleen

yes, you can really tell you 14 – how can you compare zimbawe and usa? keep in mind that for that cent they can buy more than you can with yours! you are ever so lucky and i do hope you support them, the developing world needs everyone’s support – and trust me with almost 1 billion people undernourished (yes thats like 1 in 6 i think) – it will keep up…

don’t be so rude. Kayleen only compares the USA and Zimbabwe to denounce ignorant comments made by a lot of people in the first world. Obviously you have a lot of issues with the mistreatment of countries like Zimbabwe but how much of that is her fault? None. So be polite

Tell you what, l have been through all you heard, seen, about Zimbabwe, but hey we went through all that for a reason. God is raising a generation in Zimbabwe believe me which is going to make an impact in the world. I DONT BELIEVE WE are the poorest, but rather THE RICHEST, if not one of the finest countries. It was only a phase. But honestly lm humbled Kayleen, you have a good heart. We are taking strategic moves for the betterment not only of Zimbabwe, but the world over. If you are a world changer get in touch with me at ernestmoyo35@gmail.com.
Visionary from Zimbabwe, Harare.

You can make a difference Kayleen, and a hundred bucks could help a lot, but you don’t have to do it right now. Remember, you can’t change the world alone, but God can and with his help, WE, as a nation, Church, school, home, or family, can make a difference. All we need to do is put aside our differences and work together, all of us. There is a Christian revival coming, but we all need to do our part. Thank you for taking the steps to do yours.

You really need to get your facts straight. Did you even research these countries;have you ever been to one of them? Well I have, and in the total of 6 weeks I was in the capital of Asmara and the other cities and towns of Eritrea; I saw only 6 beggars, and how many do you see every day in America?We Eritreans are not as poor as the other countries think. I also don’t like the sarcastic comments; like you think this is a joke. Take off that smiley face because you just look stupid. Gosh some people are so ignorant sometimes.

when your luxurious lifestyles come to an end, these people will not notice the change, many of them will remain the same…

Poor people in the “civilized” world always look so sad… when most of the “poor” people in the pictures above are smiling… ^.^

I think the people who “feel sad” for these awesome people, are more so thinking about themselves, than for someone else… do not picture yourself in their shoes… but picture yourself as one of those people.

Please tell me this is a joke, obviously the person who did this blog is a complete lunatic wanting to insult Africa, zimbabwe has an inflation rate of less than 7%, obviouly you are basing your argument based on the year 2009, regardless it never reached to such extremes. This is 2010, things have changed completely theres no hyperinflation anymore, i suggest you do your homework!!!!!!!!!!you are no financial jesus, more like financial idiot wanting to insult Africa but you fail, i suggest you see whats wrong with your own country before you go on insulting others

I agree with you James, this person is really an idiot, a bloody idiot. He did not do any research whatsoever, he simply took some 2007-2008 information and pasted it there. Zimbabwe has changed and surely is no longer the poorest country in the World. Please do not feed the world with wrong information.

This is just pure B.S realy i am an Eritrean i might not live there but i visit it every year and seeing it here on the top 10 poorest countries list and not seeing Ethiopia just shows how much America is trying to put down Eritrea as if the sanction wasnt enough now this ..Any person that goes to Eritrea atleast once in hes life knows that it doesnt belong here you rarely see a beggar over there and as poor as the people get you will never and i mean never see anyone starving anywere and i can vouche for that ..this is just another way for the U.S trying to colonize Africa

@ Petros,
You so called need to grow up and leave Ethiopia alone. I have never come across of a people like Eritreans who are obsessed about another country, in this case Ethiopia.
Eritrea is in the list of 10 poorest country, period and Ethiopia is not. Try to improve your country development instead of sneaking into the affairs of Ethiopia. You as a people and as country are an example of a failed state. You barely produce and feed 3.5 million people. Not seeing a someone begging in the streets of Asmera is not a measure of developments. Who is begging who when everybody is poor? To have a beggar you need to have someone with surplus. Name one person in the whole Eritrea who has 3 meal a day.

Ethiopia has morethan 82milllion people and I admit it is one of the poorest country in the world. The people are working hard day and night to improve the situations against all odds from hostile neighboring countries in the region. The country has recorded the 5th fastest growing economy in the world. Our military budget is 4%. in your country Eritrea almost the entire population is conscripted into the army. A country with only 3.5 or 4 million people have the 10 largest army in the world, this is sick.

Eritreans were dreaming of creating African Singapore instead after 20 years of independence you guys are “singing poor”.
Ethiopia and Ethiopians will march forward. All we are asking is to leave us alone. Get rid off your obsession about us. We are much better off without you guys and your barren arid land.

PS. It is not only Eritrea tops in poorest country the world list, in the most malnourished country list, Eritrea is ranked 1st. Congratulation. Go google it now.

Dani ,,, I wonder u you told the right responce,to the right guy, at the right time.
We don’t like to west our time with those people of Eritrea in arguing such foolish idias.We Ethiopians were giving u enough time to think.But now time is over!!! we r going through good way.
For the real u have to sing for Ethiopia. bcos ur brother will come to Ethiopia as a refugee,and u will feed him meals to allivate his hunger.!!!!
CHAW ERITREA!!!!

While praising your efforts, I should say this list is inconsistent. We cannot categorize rich/poor countries by their GDP. There are many countries that show low GDP rates, yet they top the human development index. Those countries are almost self-sufficient and people are happy. For example Japan is the number 2 economy (unofficially number 1) in the world, but their GDP is about 30k. This is because all people there enjoy the equal opportunities and wealth. Take Sri Lanka as another example where The GDP is low, but the country shows very high HDI figures better than most of the developed world (literacy, health care, education, life expectancy etc). I can give you many such examples. So, it should be noted that GDP is just a number game that is not at all a sound metric of development.

The language spoken in Sierra Leone “Krio” does not come from 12 other African languages. It was the language the slave masters used to communicate with the slaves. This language is spoke in many Caribbean countries ans West African countries (locations where freed slaves settled).

It arrived in Sierra Leone when a group of freed slaves where taken back to Africa to settle by the British. This group of people are formely known as the creole tribe and they settled in the capital, Freetown, which was named that for obvious reasons. PLEASE ONLY STATE FACTS!

i was looking up for my country Nepal. I thought it would definitely come under 10, but now i can see that there are countries who are even in more worse condition. no matter how true or false it is, even if they should not be coming under 10, they sure need some help. i am glad i saw these pictures, so whoever is behind this, thanks!! now, i know why i should be glad and happy over my every meal and that they should be in my prayer list.

western countries r the root of all evil this i can say
USA+oil=terorrist
us support the terorrist and build this group
afghanistan is the world reachist country _(mine)
if western countries let them to be in peace

I live in India which comes 53 on rank in poverty ;and being youth of my country suggest me what i can help for my country,what’s your suggestion on India. because i feel our county is going near to poverty line………………

Don’t Worry Divya, Soon world is goin2 know the real ability of INDIA again. Its only 63 yrs of development in INDIA as a democratic country. B4 tat there was 100’s of kingdoms within INDIA. Just imagine in these 63yrs(only 63 yrs) v have made the people of other countries to consider INDIA. But there r many other countries even after their freedom,it took some 100’s of yrs to develop as what they r now. So v r already into d track. Mark my words if this website exists for yrs I’m sure that editor will be changing India’s rank regularly till it reaches no.1 position. (am sorry if my English is not clear)

@ausaaf Nostradamus ALSO predicted that the third world war would ravage the planet in 1994!! I think he’s playing the lute somewhere in the clouds looking down on millions of idiots like you and LAUGHING HIS ASS OFF!!

Hi. I dont know where u get yo info but its very wrong esp on Zimbabwe. Our economy was hurt yes but we def ur not the poorest in the world. Facts .highest literacy rate in africa. Proximity to South Africa-spinoffs. These ur just 2 factors that render yo findings nonsense. We now use USD & ZAR & infltn is well below 6%.

this is the direction where useful resourses and and attension should be directed to rather than spending huge amounts on conferences on poverty and fighting for or against gay rights,war in this or that part of the world.humanity should do sth.we all have to enjoy this world why should some people be neglected like this!

I don’t know the past history of the other African Countries, but since I am from Egypt and know but I know the current SOmali problem is soley blamed for the west and its neibhrood states which Britian gave half of Somali inhabited lands to neighborhood countries right before Somalia took independence. The neighborhoods also enjoyed the somali businesssmen and women who lifted their economy and want to hold on the part of the land they were given by colonial. On other hand, some countries like Israel which helps Ethiopia to deal with Somalia disintegrated does not want or desire to see any 100% state that might eventually control the strategic red sea. Finally, there is great fear that since western countries fear a competitive civilization that contrary to that of western which is often assumed to be “ISlamization”, the United States have tried to impose “democractic state” on the people of SOmalia by funding functions fight against local muslim clergies, build illegitimate state outside of the country and consider it as the Federal State when the public considers it puppet and western stooge. Thus, it is western meddling that causes Somalis unable to negotiate and build their own state because each time the US calls intervenes wether it sends the neighborhoods to invade, support warlords, or build illegitimate state. I guess, somalis know better than I know but I guess it is time the US realizes two things 1) democracy can’t be traded, 2) others have the practice their own civilization and there is no need to fear Islamic state. However, now there is horrible extremists growing in the part of the country called Al-shabab, which practices or exercises the typical Saudi funded wahabism terrorist idiology like that of Talibanization. Hope it’ll be wipped out sooner than it becames another taliban….please all

@Chris, I was also surprised not to see my country, Ethiopia is not included in this list. I searched around a bit and found out the following facts:

1. GDP per capita of Ethiopia is $900 (2009)
2. Population below poverty line: 39%
3. The 5th fastest real growth rate (next to China and the fastest in Africa)

I think a lot must have happened in Ethiopia since Chris visited Ethiopia about 6 years ago. If the development in the country continues at a similar (or better rate), I think Ethiopia will not be even in the top 50 poor countries in the world (which it is now).

somalia is not that poor country cause u now why somalia has no reall goverment
u know somalia use to be the best country in africa
somalia use to have the bigerst miltry
but when the civil war starts somalia become poor
that real tailk

Althought Somalia hand the strongest military and economy in Africa mid before 1991 and Somalis arevery business oriented which is why they have lifted the fundamental economy of the neighborhooding countries such as Kenya when they fleed the deplorable civil war they’ve been going through for the last 20-years. For example, if you go to part of Nairobi, Kenya, the tallest and and largest malls in Eisligh are owned by somalis. They have very good thriving business, oil and gas companies throught in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Tananzia. The rest in western states where they are now developing their competitive but very small scatter business. On other hand, the few millionaires who still live in Somalia, most in North and central Somalia avoid to invest their money within the country and put in Foriegn banks, althought I watch Aljazeera reports that countrie’s private telecommunciation, eletro and gass companies are making lucrative profits and thriving with the last technology than other African countries. I guess it fall back to the top poorest list this year due to the Ethiopian occupation, and the intensifying war that causes transportation shortage and so forth.

Hey Shibene its not Somalis improving Kenyas economy, Kenyans are hardworking, the few somalis we have cant make Kenya to be wea it is today, Kenyans are knwn to be very hardworking people.. We are east and central africa Best economy so dnt confuse our hard earned money with pirates money!!!!!

Well I don’t know how much I should trust all this stupid info abt 9 out 10 poorest countries is in Africa. I know DR of Congo is poor but it shouldn’t the 2nd in the list. And WTF is talk abt ppl believe having sex wt a virgin cure HIV, n we are Cannibal? F him man! Look we may not have money but ppl manage to leave wthout it. I went in Kinshasa in 2008 things is getting better even our stupid president can’t improve alot. Congolese population is looking the way to get out the war, when all big Western businesses r managing to contribute to the exploitation of Coltan that had killed 5.4 million ppl the world didn’t care abt; so western population can enjoy technology when we are dying. Well, we did find out how many poor ppl leave in the US during Katrina n many more are POOR. Well if everyone in the world leave depending on their country GDP many people would die

The problem of the most western children, youths, and even adults is that they tend to be narrow-minded about the world at large.
They have good educational up bring, but if you ask them the street next to the one they live, they can hardly tell you. Believe me.
Indeed, I recently posted my own independent free thinking opinion about the causes of the widespread hunger, conflict, and poverty in these poor countries especially Somalia. But some guys are keep emailing me and accusing me that I am a militant.
They are saying that some Americans will read my comment and I should not be saying posting it.
First of all, I am an American who is proud and serving the National Air Force. But what you need to understand is if an individual speaks out or expresses his own opinions as many of you did about the political arena of these poor countries, it has nothing to do with the true cause and believe of my individuality. You have to distinguish between opinions vs. believes.
The above argument or comment was my personal opinion whether you hate, like, or remain indifferent to it.
You don’t have to disgrace and insult me, but you can disagree with me. Therefore, do not email me flagrant replies and accuse me of being extremist affiliate because I expressed my political views.
You mostly speak not more than two languages when I speak over 7 languages at the age of 24 years, traveled to over 20 countries. You can’t be like compete with me because you mostly growing up in the house of your mothers and assume they world is the way your city looks like.
I even saw some American kids who believe the constitution of the United States is the one every country should follow and respect. That is total ignorance right there you can laugh at.
Therefore, do not email me flagrant comments. If you disagreed with me, express yourselves with clarity and respect of other humans. Opinions are personal and are not fact based. However, facts in and out for itself speak for itself, not other than that Thank you all.
Learn to respect others, learn about the real politics, not the distortions you have been indoctrinate or bombarded. By the way, does not email insult; you ought to express yourselves with utmost respect and manners as most of the commentators of this page are. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Ciara: there is no such thing as a “African American”. Africa is a continent not a nationality or race. You are Black, or are you White? Just like Mexicans want to be called “hispanic” It is not a race, they are white weather they (or we) like it or not.

Who the heck wrote that?
I consider Philippines to be the best country because I myself am a Filipina. But you don’t need to insult all our other neighbors!
I actually like to go to Malaysia, Singapore, and all those other countries you said.
That is just disrespectful.

@DesertKING points of correction Ciara saying she is an Afro American as we have ”white americans” was not talking about her race either black or white. As a matter of fact America is neither for white or blacks.It is a country with different races all contributing to the developments of the country , however as history would always repeat itself the red indians(1.6million population) are the native Americans therefore Europeans,Middle Eastern, Asians and African are all IMMIGRANTS

i think you owe these people some apology, and also to your fellow filipinos too….i don’t think it was quite polite to say those kind of words or even write about it… it doesn’t mean that if you don’t feel the economic regression in the world you’ll have the freedom to say nasty things about other people/countries… if you are a filipino then where’s your respect?i don’t think that is what’s being taught in our culture…you are being impolite and unrespectful.. to you my friend, just be thankful that you are well-off(if you are…) and just shut your mouth if you don’t have anything good to say about matters like these… your putting our country and your fellow filipinos to shame!!!

hey pinoyboy, I am a Filipino and because you are also a Filipino too, I just want to say to you that you must not discriminate the African people. Yes, I know that you are also proud to be a Filipino and I am glad about that as a lover of our country. But, you should not hurt other people’s heart because of that. even me, if i an African, I will get angry to you also because of what you stated. What do you feel when someone insults our country and our nationality as a Filipino.

To the Africans, as a Filipino, i want to say sorry about what pinoyboy stated. I really sorry about that.

@pinoyboy it is so unfortunate that people like you contributes to elites discussion,you are too raw and talk like a rascal anyway thank God for internet connections in pilipino……….lol. A piece of advice for you is to go for rehabilitation………..

I know right! I love Filipino people as do like the rest of human race. we are in 21st century, whatever Filipino people had faced or are facing not different than other African countries or anyother. we all the same ppl no matter the rank of our country, there is no place like home. we all love our countries n prod of it no matter what! Pinoyboy shows just how much boy he is, that’s all don’t apologize for him everyone is different. Im Congolese n I ll not trade it for another nationality, just like anyone else

no.
as a Filipino, I need we need to say sorry about what he stated! What he said is not right!
you know, one of the problems of the Filipinos is its being BOASTFUL!
Many of us are like that.
we need to mchange that

my take on poor countries is typically associated with corrupt governments – international law precludes other countries from interfering in a country’s domestic situation unless the government agrees, and corrupt governments of poor countries typically happily agree to accept large amounts of aid to help them buy new Mercedes, overseas/waterside homes and topup their Swiss bank accounts.

i am an indian citzen, i am fully disapointed from the statment that india as taken 53 poorest country among the world’s other countrys.
I am sure and belive i put my maximum effort to bring it forward..
jai hind..

The problem of the most western childrens, youths, and even adults is that they tend to be narrow-minded about the world at large. They have good education, good lives, but if you ask them the street next to the one they live, they can hardly tell you. Believe me. For example, I recently posted my own independent free thinking opinion about the cuases of hunger, conflict, and proverty in these poor countries especially Somalia. But some guys are keep emailing me and accusing me that I am a millitant. They are saying some Americans will read this and I should not be saying this. First of all, I am an American who is proud and serving the National Airforce. But understanding the real political errana of the world has nothing to do with the true cuase and believe of an individual. You have to distinquish opinions vs believes. The above argument or comment was about my opinion and that my own politica views. You don’t have to disgrace but you can disagree with me. Do not email by insulting me or accusing me of being extemist because I expressed my political views. You mostly speak not more than one langauge when I speak over 7 langauges at the age of 24 years, travelling to fucking over 20 countries. You can’t be like me because you mostly growing up in the house mothers and assume they world is the way you city looks like. I even saw guys who beleive the contitution of the UNited States is the one every country should follow and respect. That is total ignorance right there you can laugh at. Therefore, do not email me flaygrant comments. If you disagreed with me, express yourselves with clearity and respect of other humans. Opinions are personal and are not facts based. However, facts in and out for speak for itself , not other than that Thank you all.

why only african countries there are other countries on the world map which are in pathetic condition and the only reason for these countries to be suffering this plight is ‘WEST’. A DEMON TRYING TO TAKE OVER THE WORLD IRAQ & AFGHANISTAN ARE PERFECT EXAMPLES OF IT’S VICTIM.

Ever heard of the Taliban – those towering humanists who did so much for Afghanistan and its females when they had control? Gosh, all those schools they opened! So many girls reaping the benefits of secondary and tertiary education! What an enlightened place it was! An object lesson to us all! Now take your head out of your rectum and go away, you buffoon.

Remember Africans boosted the west’s economy by working in the fields during slavery. What is Africa benefiting from all what its people went through. It is unfair to look at Africans as failures and yet they are the masterminders of all the wealth other countries are enjoying today. Slaves [Africans] built the white house.

It’s in the South East part of Asia, just south of Taiwan, north of Indonesia, and west of the Mariana Islands.

Specifically, the Philippines is located between 116° 40′, and 126° 34′ E. longitude and 4° 40′ and 21° 10′ N. latitude.
And yes, it is that group of islands there, yes there, you see on your map.
Got anymore questions Lame?
Because I’d be really happy to answer that.